Replay: Chat with Pistons writer Vince Ellis

Vince answered readers' questions July 17, 2014

Vince is here to answer your questions about the team, the off-season, the NBA at large and more.

by James Jahnke7/17/2014 3:00:05 PM

3rd & 7 37yd

3rd & 7 37yd

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Vince will be here in a moment.

by James Jahnke7/17/2014 3:00:07 PM

Let's get started.

by Vince Ellis7/17/2014 3:01:09 PM

First, let's address the Josh Smith-to-Sacramento ESPN report. Told this morning there are "no legs." But since it's the second such report, it makes to think there could be fire there. Expect more rumors to surface.

by Vince Ellis7/17/2014 3:02:37 PM

I believe Monroe should go. He came in as a center and moved to the 4. He's still way too soft there. Come on now. He's 6'10 250 don't dunk but allows his self to get dunked on. At his size playing the position he's playing he should be a beast. Dominating the 4. Look at Chris Bosh he's a 4 playing the 5 and still putting up good numbers. He's dunking and blocking dunks shots and layups. Josh Smith is still a work in progress sure. But he fits with Drummond better. They're both athletic and goes for dunks and blocks. If I had to choose I'd choose Josh. But if the we're a great offer for both that bring in a true 4 or 5 and key additional pieces like a starter at the 3. I'll do it what about you. Smith's biggest flaw is if you average 50% or from the free throw line WHY TAKE THREES. In order to shoot decent from the three point you have to average about 80% or better from the free throw line.

by Niko Core7/17/2014 3:02:49 PM

I disagree with how you look at it and have written about it extensively why I think Monroe is a better fit and Smith would be better off the bench. To keep this chat going along, I'm not going to repeat it. I will just say locker room chemistry is something you aren't taking into account and it shows you have just come to that conclusion without reading the stuff written about the situation.

by Vince Ellis7/17/2014 3:05:12 PM

Hi hru now u think greg monroe returns

by dan7/17/2014 3:05:34 PM

Yes. I've said all along I believe Monroe would be on the roster next season and if I were to guess, his chances are better than Smith's. The qualifying offer threat remains there, but think the Pistons aren't doing a sign-and-trade unless they feel they are getting back at least equal value.

by Vince Ellis7/17/2014 3:07:16 PM

Given Monroe's defensive liabilities wouldn't it be wiser to let Monroe walk and let Smith play the 4 instead of trading Smith and leaving Monroe to be exposed by the increasing presence of stretch 4's

by Dalton Roberson7/17/2014 3:07:30 PM

Nope. Again, you guys are discounting chemistry.

by Vince Ellis7/17/2014 3:07:55 PM

Do you agree with Drew Sharp's assessment of the Pistons, especially in regards to his comments about Greg Monroe? Drew maintains that Monroe is more of a low-post threat, and that Van Gundy needs a stretch four to in order for Drummond to thrive. What are your thoughts? I don't want to see Monroe leave, but I also don't want a house on Wishful Thinking Dr. either.

by stevenpw17/17/2014 3:08:07 PM

Sharp also said the Pistons could get a first-rounder and two good players for Monroe. I seriously doubt Monroe could bring that type of haul. So no, I don't agree.

by Vince Ellis7/17/2014 3:09:05 PM

Which side is holding up a Josh Smith to Sacramento trade more the Pistons or Kings?

by bigfudge8317/17/2014 3:09:32 PM

See earlier post. All I know about it.

by Vince Ellis7/17/2014 3:09:38 PM

Do you think Monroe (more of a center) really works next to Drummond long term? I honestly think Smith is the perfect compliment to Drummond if he could just stay in the paint and play his solid defense. If Josh Smith truly played the 4, not a stretch 4, I like him next to Drummond for all the things he can bring. Side question: do you think Derrick Williams can find it under SVG?

by Umichron7/17/2014 3:14:09 PM

Disagree again. And I reported earlier what I know about Kings stuff.

by Vince Ellis7/17/2014 3:15:05 PM

how come no Lance Stevenson talks for Pistons? Attitude?

by ed7/17/2014 3:15:19 PM

If you look at the signings made by the Pistons, you can tell they weren't interested in paying 9 million per to a FA. They wanted to spread the money around the several spots and that's what they've done. Only time will tell if it works.

by Vince Ellis7/17/2014 3:16:56 PM

Would SVG deal both Moose and Smith? I like the idea of blowing this whole thing up...

by Mmmhmmm7/17/2014 3:17:15 PM

No.

by Vince Ellis7/17/2014 3:17:21 PM

Who will be the starting point guard on opening night: Brandon Jennings, D.J. Augustin, or "other"?

by Terrence7/17/2014 3:17:54 PM

I'm betting on Jennings. Salary dictates he gets first crack and he is more talented. But Augustin's presence makes for a potential quick hook threat that wasn't there last season for Jennings. Think Augustin is the best signing by the Pistons.

by Vince Ellis7/17/2014 3:19:19 PM

Will Bynum bought out or do you see him being traded

by Gurman7/17/2014 3:19:37 PM

That's a tough one. There is a lot of time before the Pistons have to be down to 15 so I expect trade efforts to continue. Also, Tony Mitchell could be on the move.

by Vince Ellis7/17/2014 3:20:30 PM

I kinda like what SVG has done so far. We have a host of bench+ guys that can compete for starting spots. That means a lot of fouls to give on the superstars of the league. Do you think Singler or Butler ends up starting?

by Lou7/17/2014 3:20:41 PM

That will be a very interesting training camp battle. I think if Singler can progress some more in the off-season, I will give him the slight nod. But not counting out Butler.

by Vince Ellis7/17/2014 3:21:51 PM

Could you see the Pistons going small and starting BJ or Augustin, Meeks, KCP, Greg, and Dre or would they stick to a traditional line up?

by Joe7/17/2014 3:22:13 PM

I don't see that small lineup as a starting lineup. With today's game, it's a lineup you could definitely see.

by Vince Ellis7/17/2014 3:22:52 PM

I'm surprised Monroe still has not received an offer from another team. Do we overrate his talent level/value around the league or are his people blocking offers through back channels?

by Dunfest7/17/2014 3:23:12 PM

I tried to tell you guys that the idea of 10 teams clamoring for Monroe's services wasn't the case. All he needs is one so it does lead you that David Falk could be avoiding signing an offer sheet because he knows the Pistons will match any offer sheet so you guess he is trying to preserve the sign-and-trade possibility.

by Vince Ellis7/17/2014 3:25:02 PM

Seeing Ed Davis and Lance sign for relatively cheap, did SVG make a mistake signing Meeks and Butler?

by Ricky LaBlue7/17/2014 3:25:14 PM

Lance wasn't cheap and I'm not that big a fan of Davis.

by Vince Ellis7/17/2014 3:25:39 PM

But I do think the Pistons overpaid for Meeks and Butler. That being said, talked to a pro personnel guy last night who loves Meeks and thinks the Pistons got a good player.

by Vince Ellis7/17/2014 3:26:34 PM

Chemistry, age, potential, etc. Many reasons to keep Monroe. What's your take on Will Byunm's place on the team with Augustin and Jennings likely fighting for starting/backup PG positions.

by jayelaudio7/17/2014 3:26:53 PM

An assistant coach told me a while ago that if Will Bynum is playing 20 minutes per game, your team will struggle. I think time has proven that correct. Don't see him getting much PT - if he remains.

by Vince Ellis7/17/2014 3:28:09 PM

So as the roster stands & assuming Monroe comes back. Who's your starting five? And do u see anymore signings outside of Monroe? Maybe any trades not involving Josh Smith?

by Rob7/17/2014 3:28:26 PM

Something has to happen for the Pistons to get down to 15. Don't see signings, but SVG hasn't made a trade yet. He might do it just to get it out of the way. :) Starting five: Drummond, Monroe, Singler, Meeks, Jennings.

by Vince Ellis7/17/2014 3:29:47 PM

Do you think Stuckey will do well in Indy?

by dale7/17/2014 3:30:28 PM

I do. I think he will be fine in the strong locker room of a playoff team.

by Vince Ellis7/17/2014 3:31:05 PM

Do you believe Gigi could carve out a bigger role for the team this year given his skill set?

by WWFNoMercy647/17/2014 3:31:35 PM

I think it's telling that SVG hardly mentions him when he is quite effusive in his praise for others on the roster. So the guess is no.

by Vince Ellis7/17/2014 3:32:29 PM

Vince you keep talking about chemistry. This team has sucked consistently for a number of years now. I find it hard to believe the chemistry can be that great, because with the talent they have, there is no excuse for not at least pushing Atlanta for that 8th spot in the playoffs this past season.

by David7/17/2014 3:32:42 PM

The chemistry was horrible last season. I'm saying Monroe is better for that than Smith. The chemistry stuff was in response to folks saying they would rather have Smith over Monroe.

by Vince Ellis7/17/2014 3:34:02 PM

Doesn't seem like you know a whole lot

by VinceGoodshillMYMAN7/17/2014 3:34:10 PM

I love the clowns who have such sad lives that they have nothing better to do than troll the Internet. They don't realize they are like gnats to an elephant, lol.

by Vince Ellis7/17/2014 3:35:21 PM

Stan Gundy says there will be a competition between KCP and Meeks for the two guard spot. Is it possible that he could play both of them at the same time (one at the SF) position, at least at times?

by Ray Johnson7/17/2014 3:36:32 PM

Definitely. With the way the game is being played now, small ball is a major part of every team's arsenal. I can even see lineups where Augustin and Jennings will be the backcourt.

by Vince Ellis7/17/2014 3:37:39 PM

While I hope KCP develops into an All Star, did the Pistons make a mistake by not drafting Trey Burke? And do you see this as a breakthrough season for KCP?

by Rocco7/17/2014 3:37:48 PM

Burke was statistically one of the worst point guards in the league so I don't think so. KCP just needs to develop into a solid threat.

by Vince Ellis7/17/2014 3:38:49 PM

What do you know about Stein's reports that Moose was almost SnT to the Trailblazers, or at least that they were in very deep talks? Is it true that Monroe didn't like the 5 year/60 million discussed by the pistons?

Detroit Free PressWith the way the names of potential suitors were flying around when the clock struck 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, you just knew the Greg Monroe situation would be resolved quickly. But after two days of the NBA's free-agency period, Monroe's situation remains the same: He wants a max deal.

by Vince Ellis7/17/2014 3:40:13 PM

And it's Monroe's CBA right to seek more money elsewhere if he can find it.

by Vince Ellis7/17/2014 3:40:51 PM

LOL at these Trey Burke suck ups. He will be an ok point guard at best, there was another point guard named Micheal Carter-Williams that looked much better than Burke.

by Ray Johnson7/17/2014 3:41:21 PM

Have you heard of any teams interested in signing Chauncey Billups this year? Do you think SVG has any interest in bringing him back as a coach or in the front office down the road?

by Rick7/17/2014 3:41:32 PM

I've heard the Spurs might have interest, but do know he wants to keep playing.

by Vince Ellis7/17/2014 3:42:05 PM

Did KCP actually do anything to improve his stock, or should we just chalk it up to inferior competition?

by pistonfan9997/17/2014 3:42:12 PM

Well, the alternative would be for him to have a poor summer league. Isn't this outcome better.

by Vince Ellis7/17/2014 3:42:49 PM

Everyone talks about SVG's offensive philosophy (1 in 4 out) but I have not seen anything about his defensive scheme. Do you have any insight on what he will run?

by Lou7/17/2014 3:43:42 PM

In the past, SVG has been a guy to focus on simplifying things on defense and not get bogged down with many defensive schemes.

by Vince Ellis7/17/2014 3:45:31 PM

He won't be doing a lot of changing schemes from game-to-game.

by Vince Ellis7/17/2014 3:46:12 PM

And with that, it's time to say good-bye. Had fun - even the trolls make me laugh. Take care.